Space heaters offer excellent spot heating in the colder months, keeping rooms and offices warm at top speed. But they can also be dangerous: Space heaters remain one of the top causes of home fires in the US. That happens when chilly people get careless about where and how they use electric element heaters.
So warm up, but use your heater very carefully to stop these easily preventable fires. Here are the places you should never put one, especially if it's unattended.
Read more: The Best Space Heaters
Space heaters, even those with tip-over safeguards, don't belong on rugs. Getty Images
1. On a carpet, rug or flammable surface
Space heaters can't sit on any surface that can easily scorch or catch on fire. That means you can never place one on a carpet or rug. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or meltable vinyl, especially for long periods.
What if you have only carpet in a cold room? You can look for a ceramic or otherwise heatproof base to position under the heater. It must be larger than the heater itself by around 3 inches on every side.
2. Near walls and furniture
Your space heater needs a safety zone: Keep it at least 3 feet away from any walls or furniture to avoid burning hazards. Unfortunately, this also means that under your desk or dining table is a no-go. Try to aim space heaters toward these areas instead of putting heaters directly under them.
3. Near blankets, pillows or curtains
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